PP2 EVALUATION OF SPIROMETRY SERVICE TO PATIENTS WITH RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS IN KLINIK KESIHATAN NILAI

Ahmad-Baihaqi A1, Nor-Azila M.I.1, Nurul-Nadiah A.S.1, Nur-Ikram M.H.1, Nur-Yasmin M1, Seet-Wymen1, Amsareka M1, Irna N.S.1
1Klinik Kesihatan Nilai, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Introduction:

Spirometry is an important tool for diagnosis and monitoring of patients with chronic respiratory diseases especially Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Asthma. However, spirometry testing requires training, and the validity of the test`s results largely depends on the patients’ correct technique and operators’ skill. Klinik Kesihatan (KK) Nilai has recently established its spirometry service in 2023. However the service has yet to be evaluated. 

Objective:

To evaluate the spirometry service in KK Nilai so that further improvement can be done. 

Methodology:

This study involved all patients undergone spirometry procedure in KK Nilai throughout 2023. The data was obtained from the spirometry computer software which is connected to a rotating vane spirometer. The information obtained include patients’ socio demographic data, spirometry indications, test validity, results of the spirometry and the shortfalls throughout the procedure.

Results:

There were 89 patients who underwent spirometry in 2023. Fifty-six percent were males. Majority (77.5%) were Malays and in the age group of 40-80 years old (81.9%). The main reasons for spirometry testing were to establish the diagnosis of COPD (39.3%) or asthma (31.5%) and for prolonged cough investigation (25.8%). Eighty-seven percent of the tests were valid, and the findings were normal (34.8%), obstructive (31.4%) and restrictive or mixed patterns (33.8%). A few weaknesses were found which included inadequate instruction to patients, wrong interpretation of results and defaulters.  

Conclusion:

The spirometry service in KK Nilai was satisfactory with good percentage of valid results. It can be improved by training the operators, improving the spirometry request form and educating the requesting doctors.